Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Jermaine James is confident that he will secure a government scholarship in the upcoming Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

James told The Gleaner on Monday that he was more confident than ever that he will become the first Port Antonio Primary School student to secure a government scholarship.

"I am prepared for the task ahead," said James. "I have done all the work necessary, and I have also put in all the hours of extra studying. My only weak area at this time is in mathematics, but I am confident that by the time we get to GSAT, my teacher would have ensured that the weakness in that subject area is corrected."

James said his mother, Keisha Williams, has supported and assisted him with his studies daily, which encourages him to study even harder.

His teacher, Kennecha Davis, is also optimistic that her student will perform well in the upcoming GSAT, as he had done impressive work in a recent mock exam.

"We are well on course. Things are going great at this time, and we will be spending time on getting him to overcome certain topics in mathematics, which he has had difficulty with. He has done excellent work in many subject areas, including communication task, science, and social studies."

The GSAT teacher noted that James's success is highly contingent on his mood, frame of mind, and what he does on the day in question. She noted that once he is able to concentrate and remain focused, then he would be well on course to acquire the elusive GSAT scholarship.

rural@gleanerjm.com